Cruising on the open seas is a dream for many but the key to a great experience is picking the right room. If you’re interested in trying something different on your cruise, a Carnival Cove Balcony could make your trip special. These rooms offer a special view and a unique spot to enjoy the sea.
In this guide we will explore what is a Cove Balcony on Carnival Cruise and help you decide if it’s a good choice for your next cruise.
What is a Cove Balcony on Carnival Cruise?
Carnival Cove balcony is private as compared to standard balconies. It has solid steel panels on the sides and bottom half of the balcony. Carnival Cove balcony is bigger than regular ones and is close to the water, giving guests a peaceful view of the ocean.
These balconies are on the lower deck (decks 2 or 5), depending on the ship, closer to the water.
Carnival Cove Balcony Rooms on Different Class Ships
Cove Balcony Staterooms (7C)
Cove Balcony is available in the category 7C staterooms on Carnival’s Excel-class, Vista-class, and Dream-class ships.
The room is the same as a regular balcony room, except for the balcony outside.
Category 7S Rooms on Excel Class Ships
The Cloud 9 Spa Cove Balcony rooms are found on Excel-class ships like Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee. These category 7S rooms are close to the spa. Guests can enjoy a calming atmosphere and special benefits like unlimited access to thermal suite amenities and other perks.
Spa 9 Cove, FM and FS Category on Vista Class
The Vista Class ships have Spa 9 cove balconies and cove balconies in the Family Harbor area. You can choose a Carnival cove balcony in the Family Harbor area (FM category) or in the Family Harbor suites (FS category).
GS Category on Fantasy Class
On Carnival Ecstasy, Carnival Elation, and Carnival Paradise, the Grand Suites in the GS category has cove-like areas with solid steel bottom balcony rails.
List of Carnival Ships with Cove Balconies:
- Carnival Breeze Cove Balcony
- Carnival Magic Cove Balcony
- Carnival Dream Cove Balcony
- Carnival Venezia Cove Balcony
- Mardi Gras Cove Balcony & Cloud 9 Spa Cove Balcony
- Carnival Jubilee Cove Balcony & Cloud 9 Spa Cove Balcony
- Carnival Celebration Cove Balcony & Cloud 9 Spa Cove Balcony
- Carnival Horizon Cove Balcony & Family Harbor Suite Cove Balcony
- Carnival Panorama Cove Balcony & Family Harbor Suite Cove Balcony
- Carnival Vista Cove Balcony & Family Harbor Suite Cove Balcony
Carnival Cove Balcony vs Regular Balcony
Privacy
A Cove Balcony provides a lot of privacy. Unlike regular balconies, it keeps you away from prying eyes. The enclosed design ensures complete seclusion. There are no balconies or walkways below for people to see you.
Lifeboats are typically above cove balconies, preventing anyone from looking down. Carnival Cove balconies are on the lower decks of the ship and provide a private outdoor space shielded by the hull.
Regular balconies are on the upper decks and have little privacy where your neighbors and fellow passengers can easily peek into your space, it can make you feel exposed to people looking from nearby cabins or other decks. This lack of privacy can take away from the peaceful relaxation you want while cruising.
Size
The Carnival Cove Balcony is larger than a regular balcony. A cove balcony is 45 sq ft while a regular balcony is 35 sq ft. Cove Balcony is 28% bigger than a regular balcony, giving you more space to enjoy despite being partially closed.
Shade
The Carnival Cruise Cove Balcony has a special design with a partial cover and a lifeboat above it. This setup provides a nice shady spot to escape the hot sun, making it perfect for people who want to cool off.
Unlike regular balconies that can leave you exposed to the sun; the Carnival cove balcony lets you enjoy the outdoors without getting sunburned. This feature gives you more options to relax and enjoy the view without feeling too hot. If you like being in the sun all day, the cove balcony carnival may not be right for you. Although you can always go up to the Lido deck to soak up some sun.
Location
Carnival Cove balconies are on the lower decks of the ship and are closer to the water than regular balconies. You can find them on deck 2 or deck 5, depending on the ship. As these are the lowest balconies on the ship, it is good if you get seasick because you feel less movement on a cove balcony carnival compared to higher decks.
Regular balconies on ships are on higher decks and often found on decks above outdoor areas.
Access
Open decks are closed for safety during bad weather on a cruise. This affects balcony access, even for cove balconies which are lower and may be risky in rough seas. The steward closes a metal door over the glass balcony door to show how serious the situation is and to keep passengers safe.
It’s disappointing to lose balcony access, safety is the top priority during bad weather at sea. You can still see the ocean through your cabin window.
View
The Carnival Cove Balcony provides a view of water below, where you might spot marine life like dolphins and flying fish. Many have seen sea turtles from their cove balconies.
A regular balcony may not offer the best views depending on your location. Regular balconies on ships are located on higher decks and offer better views and access to facilities like pools and dining areas.
Prices
Carnival Cove balconies are cheaper than regular balconies, so budget-conscious tourists often choose them for a balcony experience. By picking a cove balcony carnival, you can save money compared to fancier rooms, if you’re okay with being on a lower deck.
Regular balconies cost more than cove balconies because they are higher up and offer better views. If you prefer luxury and prioritize convenience and expansive views over saving money, a regular balcony may be the better choice for you.
Getting On & Off the Ship
When it comes to choosing between a Carnival cove balcony and a regular balcony on a cruise ship, the location of your cabin can affect your experience. Picking a lower cabin location gives you easy access to getting on and off at ports of call but also positions you closer to the gangway, saving you valuable time during boarding and leaving the ship.
Pros & Cons of Cove Balconies
Pros
- Bigger & larger than Regular Balconies
- Cove balconies are cheaper
- Easy to embark and debark
- Easy to get back to cabin
- More shaded
- Greater Privacy
- Great View to Ocean
Cons
- Small opening and enclosed design of cove balconies.
- Chances to get wet
- Lack of Sun (more shaded)
- Away from Activities
- Closed during bad weather
- Larger than Regular balconies
Conclusion
When choosing between a Carnival Cove balcony and a regular balcony, think about where you want to be on the ship, what views you prefer, how private you want to be, and how much you want to spend. A cove balcony is good if you want to save money and be close to the water.
A regular balcony costs more but gives you better views. Your decision should be based on your budget and what you like. Think about what you care about most during the cruise before you decide. Choose wisely to have a great trip at Carnival that matches your preferences.
FAQs – Carnival Cove Balcony
Are Cove Balconies Better Than Regular Balconies?
Many people prefer cove balconies over regular balconies, but it depends on personal taste. Carnival Cove balconies offer a cozy and private space with close views of the sea. They may not enjoy wet and windy weather. During rough weather, crew members may close the storm door, limiting your view to just the window. It’s best to avoid booking cove balconies during hurricane season.
Do Cove Balconies Open?
No, the walls of the cove balconies on Carnival Cruise Ships are made of metal from floor to ceiling. Both sides can open when they clean the balconies or seal the balcony doors.
How Big is a Cove Balcony on Carnival Jubilee?
Carnival Jubilee Cove Balcony 7C is 44 sq ft on Deck 5
Can Solo Travelers Book a Carnival Cove Balcony Room?
Yes, solo travelers can book a carnival cove balcony stateroom. Solo guests pay for two people, unless there is a special discount. The cove balcony rooms offer a cozy space for solo travelers to enjoy the ocean views and sea breeze. These rooms are great for those who want privacy and relaxation during their solo cruise.
What’s Included in the Carnival Cove Balcony Price?
The Carnival Cove Balcony room price includes the room with a private balcony, meals at dining rooms and buffets, pool and recreational facility access, live shows, kids’ programs, and most onboard activities. It doesn’t include Specialty dining venues, alcoholic beverages and sodas, shore excursions, spa services, tips, or internet (this cost extra).
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